Dogs in My Life

They have been the light of my life this year. I'm talking about two puppies who have made a home at my house. Of course, I also have a 28 year old son who has made his way home, again, for "awhile". I love him and he is a pretty special young man.  But I have to say the dogs are pretty great, too. 

First came Maggie. She was about five months old, and she lived across the street from my friend. Her owner was "divorcing" and the six year old son was more or less in charge of Maggie. This young kid was in fact, in charge of himself, too. His mom had a monster voice that called out to him and the dog. Sometimes that voice went on for a long time. So I think they all felt better when Maggie left their house and came to my family.

Then came Zoe, a "runt" of the litter my son's dog had in February. She is a black Cocker Spaniel mix and is so entertaining. She traveled 1700 miles in the semi truck cab in her metal kennel. Of course they made several stops along the way, but she showed up basically trained.

We have made the requisite vet visits and had the female surgery and the Rabies vaccinations. But the highlight of the summer was puppy kindergarten. They both graduated and it was as much fun and learning for me as for them. We even touched on some agility training items. I have taken them to puppy day care occassionally, to get myself used to being alone for a short time. And then they went to puppy camp for 10 days while I vacationed in Phoenix. That was difficult. I almost called to ask if they would put the phone down so the dogs could bark to me. I restrained myself.

Why is it that they can have several bones on the floor and they always want the same one? And the best part of the day is sharing apple slices with peanut butter when I come home late at night. And why do they tip their heads crooked when I sing?

 I never thought I'd have another dog in my life, much less two. But today I can not imagine what I'd do without them.